Subscribe to this blog

Get our latest updates via email

Search This Blog

The Grapevine (2/26/16): Family Matters

Good morning, Henrinites, and welcome to the Grapevine! This is where we round up the most interesting rumors and news happening in the wild world of wrestling that you may have missed over the evening.

It's Friday, so that means we've got the weekly WON haul:

Although Shane McMahon was only brought in to work until WrestleMania, it's possible that he sticks around after the event. The deal to bring him in was finalized four weeks ago, after it was made clear that John Cena vs. Undertaker was never going to happen this year. All the plans with this angle and the WrestleMania match against the Undertaker are being kept hush-hush, but we can apparently expect an "edgier product" between now and the show. (Source: WON, F4WOnline)

We say: That throws a monkey wrench in the gears of the whole brand extension idea, but we have a feeling everything we hear about Shane's deal now is a red herring to protect the outcome at Mania. Yes, it's sort of ridiculous to stay optimistic after everything that's happened to the booking direction lately, but this is WrestleMania season and nothing's ever what it seems, especially in the past couple of years.

Speaking of the outcome of this angle, apparently the Monday Night RAW vs. WWE listing on Ticketmaster was a "typo." It has since been changed back to WWE Monday Night RAW. (Source: WrestlingInc)

We say: What an utter coincidence. The dictionary defines "typo" or "typographical error" as "an error in printed or typewritten matter resulting from striking the improper key of a keyboard, from mechanical failure, or the like." How exactly does one typo an entire second clause ("vs. WWE") to that phrase, especially when there hasn't been any precedent of a "versus anything" ever?

Shinsuke Nakamura is the first NXT wrestler to be making main roster money. While he's not earning the millions that guys like John Cena do, he will still be making more than the top stars NXT has signed recently, including Finn Balor, Samoa Joe, and Austin Aries. It seems Nakamura will be spending quite some time on NXT to help it transition into a full brand, which explains WWE giving him more money than most. (Source: WON)

We say: Sounds good. Although it might first come across as a point of jealousy, Nakamura setting a precedent for new pay might spark an across-the-board raise for the rest of the top NXT wrestlers. Let's hope that ends up being the case.

What do you think? Is Shane going to win and take control of RAW? Do you think RAW vs. WWE is going to happen? Let us know what you think in the comments!